[2014 Engine Shuffle] Williams F1 Team to switch to Mercedes powered from 2014

Williams announced today that they will be switching from Renault engine to Mercedes engine from 2014 onwards.

Williams F1 Team have been using Renault engine from 2012 to 2013.


Following the news regarding Williams F1 Team, President of Renault Sport F1 Jean-Michel Jalinier commented:

"We would like to thank Williams for the warmth it has extended to Renault over the last two years and wish the team the very best for the future. Williams and Renault have a long history together and quickly recaptured its winning spirit in the early days of the rekindled partnership with victory in Spain 2012. We will continue to actively work with the team until the Brazilian Grand Prix in November to end the second incarnation of the partnership with results that do justice to its reputation.

For Renault Sport F1, we have stated on numerous occasions that we would supply up to five teams if there was a requirement to do so, but this would not make sense economically or be ideal for our resources. Three, or up to four, teams is the ideal for us so the departure of Williams normalizes the situation and makes things much clearer from our side. We will announce the next team within a matter of days, and then confirm the final stage before the end of June. We remain incredibly motivated about the challenge of the 2014 engines."



THE WILLIAMS F1 TEAM AND MERCEDES-BENZ ANNOUNCE LONG-TERM ENGINE PARTNERSHIP
30 MAY 2013

The Williams F1 Team and Mercedes-Benz are pleased to announce the signature of a long-term engine partnership from the 2014 Formula One World Championship season onwards.

Under the terms of the agreement, Williams will be supplied with a Mercedes-Benz Power Unit (Internal Combustion Engine plus Energy Recovery System) by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) based in Brixworth, UK. Williams will continue to manufacture its own transmission.

The 2014 regulations will set the sport’s engineers the challenge of completing a 300 km race distance on a fuel load of just 100 kg. To do so, teams will switch from naturally aspirated 2.4 litre V8 engines to 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged hybrid Power Units. To achieve power outputs comparable to current levels from the new Power Unit will require a 30% increase in energy efficiency.

This step forward will be largely achieved through an Energy Recovery System (ERS) that will be able to deploy ten times more energy than the current KERS. The new ERS will recover energy from both the exhaust turbine and the rear axle, as well as deploying energy back to both.

These new technical developments will offer significantly greater opportunities for technology transfer from Formula One to real-world applications in areas such as battery technology, turbocharging, energy recovery and combustion efficiency.

Speaking about the new engine partnership, Williams F1 Team Founder and Team Principal Sir Frank Williams said; “I’m delighted to announce our new association with Mercedes-Benz for the 2014 Formula One season and beyond. Mercedes-Benz has been one of the sport’s most successful engine suppliers and we believe that they will have an extremely competitive engine package. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Renault for their continued hard work since we renewed our engine partnership at the beginning of the 2012 season. We have enjoyed a strong relationship that has resulted in much success over the years, including powering us to winning ways once again last year at the Spanish Grand Prix.”

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, said “The announcement of this partnership is exciting news for Williams. Securing the right engine supply partnership is a key milestone in the implementation of our strategy for long term success. We are also pleased to conclude this agreement early in the season and we very much look forward to working with Mercedes AMG HPP in developing our 2014 race car.”

Andy Cowell, Managing Director of Mercedes AMG HPP, commented: “It is a very proud moment for everybody at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains to announce the start of this new partnership with the Williams F1 Team. Williams is one of the sport’s iconic names and we are very excited to be working together towards a successful future under the new regulations. A further positive is that this new agreement provides Mercedes-Benz with the long-term stability of supplying our works team and at least two partners from the 2015 season onwards, following the conclusion of our relationship with McLaren at the end of next season.”

Toto Wolff, Executive Director of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, concluded: “The proud heritage of Williams and the company’s commitment to technological excellence make it a perfect long-term partner for Mercedes-Benz under the new powertrain regulations. It is a win-win situation for both HPP and Williams, which will ensure HPP is able to supply at least three teams on a long-term basis under the new regulations and could open interesting new perspectives for technology transfer. We look forward to enjoying much success together over the coming years.”

BREAKING NEWS: HONDA is returning to Formula One in 2015

Honda CEO announced today in Tokyo together with McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh that the infamous Japanese company with long term involvement in the top flight will indeed return as an engine supplier in 2015 with McLaren.  They will be providing McLaren a new V6 Turbo F1 engine as engine rule change to ditch the current naturally aspirated V8 starting from next year.

"It’s fantastic news for everyone who loves Formula 1 to be able to welcome Honda back to Formula 1.  Together Honda and McLaren have a great legacy," Whitmarsh said. "As we look to the future Honda and McLaren are utterly committed to maintaining that legacy and being successful once more."

"Whilst both companies are fully aware that we're embarking on a very demanding journey together, we're hugely committed to the success of the partnership, and we'll spend the next 18 months working together to ensure that we're fully established and competitive ahead of our first grand prix together in 2015."

This announcement also represents the end of Mclaren - Mercedes partnership since 1995.

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone also shows warm welcome to Honda.

“It is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula 1,” Ecclestone said. “Their engine technology and passion for motorsport make them a natural Formula 1 contender.”

Their current driver Jenson Button and Sergio Pérez already expressed their excitement on twitter:

Jenson Button ‏@JensonButton

Welcome back Honda :) exciting news this morning about our new engine supplier and partner for 2015... 頑張って Honda!

McLaren ‏McLarenF1

Checo: "I’ve grown up always knowing just how much the #McLarenHonda era lives on in the hearts & minds of motorsport fans around the world"

Official press release:

McLaren-Honda: reuniting one of the greatest partnerships in Formula 1 history

Posted on Thursday, 16 May 2013 08:30 (BST) McLaren is delighted to confirm that it will form a new multi-year Formula 1 technology partnership with Honda. From the start of the 2015 season, McLaren's Formula 1 cars will race using Honda engines and energy recovery systems, renewing an association that became one of the most successful and powerful in Formula 1 history during the 1980s and ’90s. Today’s announcement not only heralds Honda’s decision to take on the challenge of Formula 1 after a six-season absence, but also signals the reappearance of Honda turbo power in grand prix racing. Honda broke new ground in the 1980s by creating a turbocharged engine that was unparalleled in both its output and its efficiency. Those same challenges have once again brought the Japanese manufacturer back to Formula 1 as grand prix racing adapts to the introduction of an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 formula from next year. Honda will develop its engines at its R&D facility in Tochigi, Japan, where it has already begun development of its all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 Formula 1 engine. Today’s announcement further emphasises McLaren’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic, successful and attractive partners for major multi-national corporations. Since its Formula 1 debut at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren has won an equal number of grands prix (182) as Ferrari – and more than any other Formula 1 team. McLaren has also won the Le Mans 24 Hours race at its first attempt, has taken three Indianapolis 500 victories, and has won a record 43 races in North America’s prestigious Can-Am sportscar series. Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd was founded in 1963. In McLaren's 50th anniversary year, it is a mark of the depth of trust and respect the company enjoys with its many partners that it has within the past few months been able to confirm the extensions of record-breaking relationships with the likes of Hugo Boss (32 years continuous sponsorship), TAG Heuer (28 years) and Kenwood (23 years) – three brands that shared in the glory of the first successful McLaren-Honda partnership between 1988 and ’92. In recent decades, McLaren has grown to become an internationally recognised, highly innovative group of high-technology companies, its expertise ranging from high-performance simulation to electronic systems to materials science. That breadth of intelligence makes McLaren a particularly attractive partner for Honda, and will enable the two world-class engineering companies to form a highly impactful technology partnership. Moreover, the McLaren-Honda partnership rekindles memories of one of the most dominant partnerships in motorsport history: between 1988 and ’92 McLaren and Honda won eight world championships and 44 grands prix, took 53 pole positions and set 30 fastest laps – all in just 80 grands prix. In 1988, the partnership created arguably the single most successful Formula 1 car of all time: the all-conquering McLaren-Honda MP4/4, which was driven to victory by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in an amazing 15 of the season’s 16 grands prix. It is against that backdrop that McLaren and Honda now commit to building afresh the strongest possible partnership in Formula 1. Martin Whitmarsh, CEO, McLaren Group, said: “It’s fantastic news for everyone who loves Formula 1 to be able to welcome Honda back to Formula 1. “Together, we’re about to embark on a new and extremely exciting chapter in McLaren’s history. “Like McLaren, Honda is a company with motor racing woven into the fabric of its heritage. We’re proud and thrilled to be joining forces once more to take on the world in Formula 1. Whilst both companies are fully aware that we’re embarking on a very demanding journey together, we’re hugely committed to the success of the partnership, and we'll spend the next 18 months working together to ensure that we’re fully established and competitive ahead of our first grand prix together in 2015. “The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula 1, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders. But it’s a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren-Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula 1 success. Together we have a great legacy – and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it. “Honda has built a reputation as a worldwide engineering giant, but its roots, its specialism and its passion lie in the advancement of the internal combustion engine. Throughout its history, Honda has pioneered engine technology in road cars, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Indeed, its experience as a manufacturer of turbocharged engines is unequalled by any other car manufacturer currently competing in Formula 1. “McLaren and Honda share an unswerving commitment to high-technology, to innovation and to performance. Together we’ll form a lasting partnership that will deliver success on the track, backed up by world-leading R&D and engineering intelligence. “Finally, it’s appropriate to recognise that until the end of 2014 we’ll maintain a full commitment to our existing and long-standing partner, Mercedes-Benz, for which we retain the utmost respect and with whom we intend to continue to work diligently and professionally. McLaren-Mercedes has so far won an incredible 78 grands prix and four world championships. We aim to cap our long-standing partnership with the same ambition and resolve with which we began it: namely, to keep winning.” Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. said: “Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing. “Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1. “We have the greatest respect for the FIA’s decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies and to Formula One Group, which has developed F1 into a high value, top car racing category supported by enthusiastic fans. “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr Jean Todt, the President of FIA and to Mr Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One Group who showed great understanding and cooperation to help realize our participation in F1 racing. “The corporate slogan of Honda is “The Power of Dreams”. This slogan represents our strong desire to pursue and realize our dreams together with our customers and fans. “Together with McLaren, one of the most distinguished F1 constructors, Honda will mark a new beginning in our challenges in F1.” 2009 world champion Jenson Button said: “I’ve already enjoyed a long and successful working relationship with Honda. I first raced a Formula 1 car powered by a Honda engine in 2003, and I was a works Honda Formula 1 driver between 2006 and ’08, winning my first grand prix in Hungary in 2006 in a Honda Formula 1 car, so I know exactly how passionate Honda is about motorsport, and Formula 1 in particular. “The challenge set by Formula 1’s new technical regulations provides Honda with the perfect opportunity to return to the pinnacle of motorsport. Honda is one of the most experienced and accomplished builders of turbocharged engines anywhere in the world, has always treated Formula 1 as a platform for world-beating technical innovation, and will surely relish the opportunity once again to showcase on a global sporting stage its engine technicians’ unparalleled engineering prowess. “Equally, I grew up watching McLaren-Honda Formula 1 cars racing and winning around the world – they wrote their own glorious chapter of Formula 1 history, in fact. Even now, picturing those unmistakable red-and-white cars evokes vivid memories of some of the most dramatic and exciting motor racing the world has ever seen. “McLaren-Honda: I know how much passion, success and pride are encapsulated within just those two words. And that's why I’m so thrilled and excited about what’s not only a fantastic opportunity for the team, but also a great development for Formula 1 fans and the sport as a whole.” Sergio Perez said: “I was born in 1990 – the year Ayrton Senna won the second of his three world championships driving for McLaren-Honda – and I’ve grown up always knowing just how much that era lives on in the hearts and minds of motorsport fans around the world. “Of course, Ayrton is my hero, as he’s a hero to many millions of people living in Central America and South America. So today’s announcement not only rekindles all the fantastic memories of that successful era, but it also starts a new age – which can be even more exciting. “Honda is one of Formula 1’s greatest ever engine manufacturers. It has had so much success in motorsport, and I believe the time is now right for Honda to be returning to Formula 1. "But I’d go farther than that. I believe McLaren-Honda was one of the greatest partnerships in world sport, in fact, and everyone in the whole of Formula 1 hugely respects that legacy. That’s why everyone at McLaren and at Honda is so determined to create an era of world championship domination in Formula 1 for a second time. “As McLaren celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, this announcement looks far into the future. It’s history in the making.” Jean Todt, President, FIA, said: "I am very happy to hear about Honda’s important decision to return to Formula 1 with McLaren from 2015. “The introduction of the new powertrain next year, in the form of a 1.6-litre V6 engine with direct injection and energy recovery, is a very exciting challenge and demonstrates a vision for the future of the sport. “I am sure that Honda will become a strong contender in years to come.” Bernie Ecclestone, CEO, Formula One Group, said: “It is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula 1. Their engine technology and passion for motorsport make them a natural Formula 1 contender.” At a glance, the McLaren-Honda partnership in numbers:

• 3 race-winning engine configurations – 1.5-litre turbo V6, 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V10, 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V12
• 5 years of partnership – 1988 to '92
• 80 grands prix starts
• 53 pole positions – a 66 per cent strike rate
• 44 victories – a 55 per cent win rate
• 30 fastest laps – 10 in 1988 alone
• 8 world championships – drivers’ titles for Ayrton Senna (1988, 1990, 1991) and Alain Prost (1989), and constructors’ titles in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991

2013 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX Free Practice 2

Kimi Raikkonen set the pace for the Friday practice in Bahrain.

1. Kimi Raikkonen Finand Lotus-Renault 1m 34.154s
2. Mark Webber Australia Red Bull-Renault 1m 34.184s
3. Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault 1m 34.282s
4. Fernando Alonso Spain Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 34.310s
5. Paul di Resta Britain Force India-Mercedes 1m 34.543s
6. Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 34.552s
7. Romain Grosjean France Lotus-Renault 1m 34.631s
8. Nico Rosberg Germany Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 34.666s
9. Adrian Sutil Germany Force India-Mercedes 1m 34.932s
10. Lewis Hamilton Britain Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 34.976s
11. Jenson Button Britain McLaren-Mercedes 1m 35.356s
12. Jean-Eric Vergne France Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 35.506s
13. Sergio Perez Mexico McLaren-Mercedes 1m 35.589s
14. Daniel Ricciardo Australia Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 35.761s
15. Nico Hulkenberg Germany Sauber-Ferrari 1m 36.133s
16. Pastor Maldonado Venezuela Williams-Renault 1m 36.279s
17. Valtteri Bottas Finland Williams-Renault 1m 36.579s
18. Esteban Gutierrez Mexico Sauber-Ferrari 1m 36.616s
19. Charles Pic France Caterham-Renault 1m 37.061s
20. Max Chilton Britain Marussia-Cosworth 1m 37.313s
21. Jules Bianchi France Marussia-Cosworth 1m 37.363s
22. Giedo van der Garde Holland Caterham-Renault 1m 37.970s

Image: BBC

2013 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX Free Practice 1

 Massa gone fastest in FP1 ahead of his teammate Alonso in Bahrain.

Timing: Formula1.com
Photo: Getty Images

Breaking News: Heikki Kovalainen rejoins Caterham as reserve driver

Today Caterham announced they have re-signed Heikki Kovalainen as the team Reserve Drivers, alongside current Reserve Driver Alexander Rossi while the first ever Chinese Formula One driver Ma Qing Hua is stepping down which "remains a core member of Caterham F1 Team's driver roster and an announcement about his revised race plans in 2013 will be made in due course."

Heikki's will take part in FP1 in Bahrain and Spain. He will take part in the sessions as part of a formal technical development role he is taking up, helping support the introduction of the first performance updates to the 2013 car.

"Heikki returns to track work with us and we are delighted to welcome him back into the team." said Cyril Abiteboul, the team principal of Caterham F1 Team.

"He has six years of F1 experience behind him so he is perfectly placed to provide us objective feedback on the various types of configurations we will run and to give us an objective view of the 2013 tyres against his experience with the 2012 compounds. Having invested in Heikki for our first three years of competition it would be a waste not to leverage the valuable expertise he brings."

Heikki Kovalainen: "Tony, Cyril and I have been talking about me taking up this role for quite a while, so it's good to finally be able to announce how I'll be helping the team in 2013. I'm physically ready to get back into the car and I know my experience can help give the team new ideas and options for directions to take on setup and strategy. I'm looking forward to getting back to work!"

"It's obviously great news that I'll be on track in Bahrain and Spain and I'm really looking forward to getting back to work and helping the team as much as I can. I'll be taking part in the two FP1 sessions in Bahrain and Barcelona to give the team my input on the new parts we're bringing to those races, and I'll be working closely with the race drivers and the engineers on track and back at Leafield to help everyone get the most out of the new package."

2013 FORMULA 1 UBS CHINESE GRAND PRIX RACE

1. Fernando Alonso Spain Ferrari-Ferrari 56 laps 1hr 34m 24.945s
2. Kimi Raikkonen Finand Lotus-Renault +00m 10.1s
3. Lewis Hamilton Britain Mercedes-Mercedes +00m 12.3s
4. Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault +00m 12.5s
5. Jenson Button Britain McLaren-Mercedes +00m 35.2s
6. Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari-Ferrari +00m 40.8s
7. Daniel Ricciardo Australia Toro Rosso-Ferrari +00m 42.6s
8. Paul di Resta Britain Force India-Mercedes +00m 51.0s
9. Romain Grosjean France Lotus-Renault +00m 53.4s
10. Nico Hulkenberg Germany Sauber-Ferrari +00m 56.5s
11. Sergio Perez Mexico McLaren-Mercedes +01m 03.8s
12. Jean-Eric Vergne France Toro Rosso-Ferrari +01m 12.6s
13. Valtteri Bottas Finland Williams-Renault +01m 33.8s
14. Pastor Maldonado Venezuela Williams-Renault +01m 35.4s
15. Jules Bianchi France Marussia-Cosworth +1 lap
16. Charles Pic France Caterham-Renault +1 lap
17. Max Chilton Britain Marussia-Cosworth +1 lap
18. Giedo van der Garde Holland Caterham-Renault +1 lap

Retired
Nico Rosberg Germany Mercedes-Mercedes 21 laps Suspension
Mark Webber Australia Red Bull-Renault 15 laps Wheel
Adrian Sutil Germany Force India-Mercedes 5 laps Accident
Esteban Gutierrez Spain Sauber-Ferrari 4 laps Accident

2013 FORMULA 1 UBS CHINESE GRAND PRIX Qualifying

Hamilton took his first pole for Mercedes in Shanghai.

1. Lewis Hamilton Britain Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 34.484s
2. Kimi Raikkonen Finand Lotus-Renault 1m 34.761s
3. Fernando Alonso Spain Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 34.788s
4. Nico Rosberg Germany Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 34.861s
5. Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 34.933s
6. Romain Grosjean France Lotus-Renault 1m 35.364s
7. Daniel Ricciardo Australia Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 35.998s
8. Jenson Button Britain McLaren-Mercedes 2m 05.673s
9. Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault no time Q3
10. Nico Hulkenberg Germany Sauber-Ferrari no time Q3

11. Paul di Resta Britain Force India-Mercedes 1m 36.287s
12. Sergio Perez Mexico McLaren-Mercedes 1m 36.314s
13. Adrian Sutil Germany Force India-Mercedes 1m 36.405s
14. Mark Webber Australia Red Bull-Renault 1m 36.679s
15. Pastor Maldonado Venezuela Williams-Renault 1m 37.139s
16. Jean-Eric Vergne France Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 37.199s

17. Valtteri Bottas Finland Williams-Renault 1m 37.769s
18. Esteban Gutierrez Mexico Sauber-Ferrari 1m 37.990s
19. Jules Bianchi France Marussia-Cosworth 1m 38.780s
20. Max Chilton Britain Marussia-Cosworth 1m 39.537s
21. Charles Pic France Caterham-Renault 1m 39.614s
22. Giedo van der Garde Holland Caterham-Renault 1m 39.660s